2016 FINAL
Tri-County Youth Football League Policies & Procedures Manual
Contents
A
Preamble ............................................................................................................................................... 7
B
Coaching Responsibility ........................................................................................................................ 7
C
B.1
Players ........................................................................................................................................... 7
B.2
League ........................................................................................................................................... 7
B.3
Rules .............................................................................................................................................. 8
B.4
Officials.......................................................................................................................................... 8
B.5
Other ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Eligibility ................................................................................................................................................ 9
C.1
Players ........................................................................................................................................... 9
C.2
Coaches ......................................................................................................................................... 9
D
Weight ................................................................................................................................................. 10
E
Participation ........................................................................................................................................ 11
F
E.1
Practice: ...................................................................................................................................... 11
E.2
Playing time:................................................................................................................................ 12
Contact ................................................................................................................................................ 12
F.1
Contact during practice:.............................................................................................................. 12
G
Registration ......................................................................................................................................... 12
H
Tryouts ................................................................................................................................................ 13
I
Draft .................................................................................................................................................... 13
J
Game Rules ......................................................................................................................................... 13
J.1
General........................................................................................................................................ 13
J.2
League schedule.......................................................................................................................... 14
J.3
Penalties ...................................................................................................................................... 14
J.4
Kickoffs / punts ........................................................................................................................... 14
J.5
Field goals / PAT .......................................................................................................................... 15
J.6
Length of quarters....................................................................................................................... 15
J.7
Overtime ..................................................................................................................................... 15
J.8
Score ........................................................................................................................................... 16
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Tri-County Youth Football League Policies & Procedures Manual
J.9
Huddle ......................................................................................................................................... 16
J.10
Offense ........................................................................................................................................ 16
J.11
Defense ....................................................................................................................................... 16
J.12
Other ........................................................................................................................................... 16
K
Officiating ............................................................................................................................................ 17
L
Board of Directors ............................................................................................................................... 17
M
Discipline ............................................................................................................................................. 17
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Change Pages
Change
Para
Date
PW/F ONLY: Both offense and defense will take a knee except for
the punter on offense and the three (3) punt returners on the
receiving team. Referee will hand the ball to the punter five (5)
yards behind the line of scrimmage where the ball shall be
immediately be kicked.
J.4-3
page 13
12/3/12
PW/F ONLY: There shall be no more than six (6) defensive players
on the defensive line of scrimmage and all must be “squared” to the
line. ALL remaining players must be three (3) yards behind the line
of scrimmage. NO defensive players can be in this three (3) yard
buffer zone prior to the snap.
J.1-8
page 12
12/3/12
PW/F ONLY: There shall be no snapping. Referee will hand the ball
to the holder and placed on the tee. A field goal missed inside the
20-yard line shall be placed at the 20-yard line. A field goal missed
outside the 20-yard line shall be placed at the original line of
scrimmage. Missed field goals cannot be returned.
J.5-3
page 14
12/3/12
PW/F ONLY: There shall be no snapping. Referee will hand the ball
to the holder and placed on the tee.
J.5-1
page 14
12/3/12
D.10
page 11
6/12/13
There will be two TCYFL group weigh-ins per season.
a.
The first weigh-in will be for ALL TCYFL players and will be
conducted at a location designated by the league that sponsors that
year’s championship game. Weigh-ins will be done by division and
will have at least two members of the TCYFL board at each of 4
scales dedicated to each division. Teams will be provided with
specific times for the weigh-in. The TCYFL board if needed will
determine a makeup weigh-in.
b.
The second weigh-in will be scheduled after game four (4)
of the season and will include a 5lb weight allowance at each
division. This weigh-in will NOT be for all TCYFL players but instead
will be an opportunity for coaches to challenge individual players
from other teams that they believe are over the allowable weight.
This will also be an opportunity for coaches to bring in players from
their teams that they believe are able to make the prescribed
weight for each division (these players are NOT granted a 5-lb
weight allowance and must make the division prescribed weight).
Tri-County Youth Football League Policies & Procedures Manual
Both sets of players; those coaches wish to challenge and those
they want re-weighed, MUST be provided in an email or written
form, to the designated TCYFL board member to tabulate the list by
a published date. TCYFL board must provide a minimum of 4 days
to coaches/parents warning of weigh-in.
c.
Players MUST bring their helmets for the weigh-ins where
they will be marked with an ‘X’ if the player is over the prescribed
weight.
d.
TCYFL board members will document the individual weights
and will post to the website.
Any current player in any league, before the new season draft, can
enter another leagues draft if they live in the district of that league.
Once they become a member of that league they cannot move back
to their former league due to the district boundary rule.
c.1.7
page 8
7/14/2013
Updated Varsity weight increase from 150 to 175
d.2
page 10
2/22/2015
These six (6) plays shall include special teams play except at the
Freshman and PeeWee levels.
e.2.1
page 12
2/22/2015
All coaches shall use proper tackling technique as defined by the
USA Football, Heads Up Program. It is a requirement that ALL TCYFL
coaches become Heads Up certified.
b.3.3
page 8
3/10/2016
NO forfeitures will be tolerated.
b.5.1
page 8
3/10/2016
New coaches shall be required to attend an annual mandatory
coaches meeting. All coaches must stay informed of rule changes.
Failure to attend the mandatory coaches meeting will automatically
disqualify an individual as a candidate to coach that season. The
TCYFL BOD reserves the right to call a mandatory coaches meeting
for ALL coaches in any given year.
b.3.6
page 8
3/10/2016
c.1.7
page 9
3/10/2016
c.2.1
page 9
3/10/2016
Delete: except for kids that attend Valley View Elementary.
Add: and respective high school boundaries
Heads Up Football program
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All teams at all levels can participate with their teams during the
WVSSAC designated 3-week free period (same as high schools)
e.1.3
page 11
3/10/2016
and attend the scheduled new coach mandatory meeting
c.2.1
page 9
3/10/2016
j.1.8
page 13
3/10/2016
There is a six (6) play mandatory requirement for only junior varsity
and freshman teams.
e.2.1
page 12
3/10/2016
Both PeeWee and Freshman may have one (1) coach on the field at
all times.
j.4.5
page 15
3/10/2016
If an official cannot determine the coach responsible for the explicit
language the unsportsmanlike penalty will be given to the lead
coach.
m.4
page 18
3/10/2016
Add second coach back on the PW level
j.4.5
page 15
8/11/2016
Delete: be “squared” to the line
Add: and all on the line must have at least one (1) hand in contact
with the ground (PW only)
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Tri-County Youth Football League Policies & Procedures Manual
A PREAMBLE
All Tri-County Youth Football League (TCYFL) coaches must realize the game of football is played for the
benefit of the participants. An emphasis will be placed on developing lifelong values. Coaches are role
models and will set positive examples for players, parents, and spectators. Following this philosophy and
coaching within these guidelines will bring credit and recognition to the individual teams and the league.
The TCYFL shall consist of Jefferson County Youth Football League (JCYFL), South Berkeley Youth Football
Association (SBYFA), Eastern Panhandle Youth Football League (EPYFL), and Warm Spring Wolves
(BSYFL). Players are organized into teams in accordance with their individual league rules.
National Federation of State and High School Associations (NFHS) rules apply to all scheduled league and
interleague games unless amended by the rules and regulations of the TCYFL. Any questions not covered
by these rules, official interpretation thereof, or any conflict not subject to protest shall be decided by
the commissioners of all four leagues.
B COACHING RESPONSIBILITY
B.1
Players
1. A coach must be aware of the influence he has on his players. All actions are expected to follow
the rules of proper sportsmanship and respect the dignity his players and the opposition.
2. All coaching techniques and decisions will be within the rules of the game. Every effort shall be
made to abide by the high principles that promote mutual respect between the coach and his
players.
3. Coaches shall consult trained medical personnel when injuries take place. The orders of the
physician or certified trainer shall be followed.
4. All coaches are expected to know eligibility rules and apply them uniformly.
5. Consideration for academic performance should be a priority.
B.2
League
1. The primary function of the coach is to educate players through participation in the game of
football.
2. A coach shall be defined as a volunteer of TCYFL and is expected to conduct himself in a manner
that brings credit to the league.
3. The coach must be sensitive to the fact that he is promoting a positive image for his program
and for the league.
4. Coaches will be required to consent to a background check.
5. Coaches shall be issued a picture identification which is required for admittance to any facility
utilized for play by the TCYFL. ID’s must also be available at all practice sessions.
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a) Coaches shall provide a typed roster in numerical order to each field prior to the first game at
that facility.
B.3
Rules
1. The rules and suggestions in the national federation of state high school associations and the
exceptions/additions to those rules enforced by the TCYFL are an integral part of the league and
shall be followed.
2. Every coach shall know the rules and convey them to his players. The coach shall promote
sportsmanship and respect for the opponent through teaching proper techniques consistent
with the guidelines provided by the national federation of state high school associations and the
TCYFL.
3. Proper blocking, tackling, alignment, use of clock, etc. Shall be promoted through maintaining
high ethical standards in practice and games. All coaches shall use proper tackling technique as
defined by the USA Football, Heads Up Program. It is a requirement that ALL TCYFL coaches
become Heads Up certified.
4. Coaches shall stress that on field communication should be between teammates only.
5. Good sportsmanship habits are formed on the practice field. The coach shall provide direction to
guarantee that proper standards are followed at all times.
6. New coaches shall be required to attend an annual mandatory coaches meeting. All coaches
must stay informed of rule changes. Failure to attend the mandatory coaches meeting will
automatically disqualify an individual as a candidate to coach that season. The TCYFL BOD
reserves the right to call a mandatory coaches meeting for ALL coaches in any given year.
B.4
Officials
1. Officials will have the respect and support of the coaches and players. Comments during and
after the game must focus on the players.
2. Officials should be treated in a courteous manner. Concerns about officials shall be expressed in
writing to the TCYFL for Board of Directors (BOD) review.
3. Showing of video contradicting an official’s decision has no real value and is considered
unethical. Quick decisions must be made during games and officials will make the best decision
at that time.
B.5
Other
1. Before and after the game opposing coaches should meet and exchange greetings. NO
forfeitures will be tolerated.
2. The coach should limit his comments about the game to members of his team and encourage his
players to do the same.
3. It is ethical to limit all rewards, celebrations, etc. To the team and to respect the dignity of the
opponent.
4. All coaches shall follow the rules and regulations as determined by the TCYFL. Policy and
procedures manual.
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C ELIGIBILITY
C.1
Players
1. All athletes involved in the football league as a player must be 6 years old on or before 1 August,
but no older than 13 on or before 1 August, of the participating season.
2. All returning players shall return to the same team they played on the previous year.
3. The league will consist of four (4) divisions:
Division
Age
PeeWee
6-7
Freshmen
8-9
JV
10-11
Varsity
12-13
4. Players shall play in their age respective divisions regardless of playing ability or weight. Players
shall not be moved up or down unless circumstances arise that leave a varsity team with the
inability to compete due to lack of participants. Should this occur and an 11-year-old is moved
up to the varsity level on a permanent basis he is ineligible to compete at the JV level. Should a
varsity team have 14 or fewer players that team may dress out 11-year-olds however they shall
not start the game nor shall they be given more playing time than a 12 or 13-year-old on that
team.
5. Statements of physical condition by a qualified physician shall be required according to
individual league policies and procedures.
6. Any player that chooses to participate in middle school, junior high school, or high school
football shall no longer be eligible to participate as a player in the tri-county youth football
league. Participation is defined as attending one or more practice sessions.
7. To establish boundaries for the three leagues, participation in each league is dependent on the
parent’s residence and respective high school boundaries. Existing players are allowed to play
on the league in which they are currently rostered. Out of state players are allowed to
participate in their league of choice provided they go through the draft of that league unless
returning to their previous team. Any current player in any league, before the new season draft,
can enter another leagues draft if they live in the district of that league. Once they become a
member of that league they cannot move back to their former league due to the district
boundary rule
C.2
Coaches
1. All first year coaches shall complete a certified coaching program prior to submitting an
application to coach and attend the scheduled new coach mandatory meeting. This shall be a
mandatory requirement and no coach shall be eligible until such time the league has a
certificate of completion on file. The WVSSAC certified coaching program and the online USA
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Football Heads Up Coaching Program are two acceptable certifications and are available at
minimal costs.
New coaches to the league shall complete their certified coaching program (through USA
Football) prior to the first game of the season.
Coaches shall be required to submit an application annually and shall not be guaranteed a
position the following season.
Each team shall have a designated “head coach”. The head coach shall appoint a “lead coach” to
oversee each division within his team. All support personnel shall be deemed “assistant
coaches”.
Coach’s lists are due at or before the mandatory coaches meeting in August.
All player rosters are due at the weigh-in.
D WEIGHT
1. There are no weight restrictions for a player to participate.
2. Players who handle the ball on offense shall meet the following weight restrictions:
Division
Weight
PeeWee
< 75lbs
Freshmen
< 100lbs
Junior Varsity
< 125lbs
Varsity
< 175lbs
This applies to quarterbacks, receivers, running backs.
3. There is no weight restriction for kickers or punters, however if the ball is fumbled on the extra
point attempt, there can be no advancement by the kicker if they do not meet the weight
requirements. No fake punts or kicks can be attempted with an overweight kicker. Should an
overweight kicker touch the ball it is considered dead at the spot. Should the ball be fumbled on
a punt attempt, the ball is live and the overweight punter must fall on it. An overweight punter
can only advance the ball by kicking it.
4. Defensive players may advance the ball after fumbles and interceptions regardless of their
weight.
5. Punts can only be returned by players under the appropriate weight limit for their division.
6. JV/V: Players over the weight limit can only be on the front line for kickoffs, however overweight
players are eligible to return the ball in kickoff situations. (i.e. on side kicks)
7. All players over weight must have a black mark on the back of the helmet in full view of all
players, coaches and referees. This mark shall be in an “X” and shall be approximately 6 inches
tall. Should an ineligible player with no visible “X” on the helmet advance the ball, the team will
be charged a time out and penalized 10 yards. The player shall not return to the game until the
stripe is visible.
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8. An overweight offensive player (having an “X”) cannot handle the football. If this occurs the play
is blown dead and the ball is placed at the original line of scrimmage with a loss of down.
9. An overweight player (with an “X”) can be placed anywhere on the line of scrimmage but shall
remain ineligible.
10. There will be two TCYFL group weigh-ins per season.
a. The first weigh-in will be for ALL TCYFL players and will be conducted at a location
designated by the league that sponsors that year’s championship game. Weigh-ins will
be done by division and will have at least two members of the TCYFL board at each of 4
scales dedicated to each division. Teams will be provided with specific times for the
weigh-in. The TCYFL board if needed will determine a makeup weigh-in.
b. The second weigh-in will be scheduled after game 4 of the season and will include a 5lb
weight allowance at each division. This weigh-in will NOT be for all TCYFL players but
instead will be an opportunity for coaches to challenge individual players from other
teams that they believe are over the allowable weight. This will also be an opportunity
for coaches to bring in players from their teams that they believe are able to make the
prescribed weight for each division (these players are NOT granted a 5lb weight
allowance and must make the division prescribed weight). Both sets of players; those
coaches wish to challenge and those they want re-weighed, MUST be provided in an
email or written form, to the designated TCYFL board member to tabulate the list by a
published date. TCYFL board must provide a minimum of four (4) days to
coaches/parents warning of weigh-in.
c. Players MUST bring their helmets for the weigh-ins where they will be marked with an
‘X’ if the player is over the prescribed weight.
d. TCYFL board members will document the individual weights and will post to the website.
E PARTICIPATION
E.1
Practice:
1. Teams shall not be permitted to have any practice session prior to the predetermined date
annually set by the TCYFL BOD.
2. To prevent bending of the rules and as a method to ensure equality throughout the league,
practices are defined as a gathering of players, without a minimum number, in the presence of
at least one (1) coach, where one or more of the following take place:
a. Chalk talk / skills lesson
b. Viewing film
c. Conditioning (individual or group)
d. Individual skill session (QB, receiving, blocking, tackling, kicking, etc.)
e. Group skill session
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f.
Dummies or other inanimate objects
g. Run-through without pads (shorts & t-shirt)
h. Run-through with pads
i.
Intra-squad scrimmages
3. Practice schedules shall be set by individual league policies and procedures however shall not
start prior to the predetermined start date. All teams at all levels can participate with their
teams during the WVSSAC designated 3-week free period (same as high schools)
4. No team shall scout another team unless it is an organized event between two separate teams
that takes place on a playing field.
E.2
Playing time:
1. There is a six (6) play mandatory requirement for only junior varsity and freshman teams. These
(6) six plays shall include special teams play except at the Freshman and PeeWee levels. PeeWee
teams shall participate at least one (1) full half and players shall play offense and defense (if the
team has more than 22 players they must participate in one full quarter, both O & D).
2. Coaches found to be in disregard of the play rule shall be reprimanded in the following order:
a. First offense: lead coach suspended for one (1) game (including practices)
b. Second offense: lead coach suspended two (2) games (including practices)
c. Third offense: lead coach suspended for the remainder of the season.
F CONTACT
F.1
Contact during practice:
In an effort to reduce the risk of concussions and to make the TCYFL a safer football playing
environment, the following Pop Warner rules have been added.
1. Coaches must limit contact to no more than one third of their practice time
2. Banning full speed, head on blocking and tackling drills in which the players line up more than
three (3) yards apart (coaches can have full speed drills only where players approach each other
at an angle-not straight at each other)
G REGISTRATION
1. All participants, new and returning, must register prior to a predetermined date annually issued
by the TCYFL BOD. No league shall accept registrations past this date.
2. Registration and equipment fees are established on a yearly basis by individual leagues.
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3. Should a low number of participants hinder the function of the league, the TCYFL BOD may vote
to extend the registration period for that particular season. This may result in an additional
registration/draft day if required.
H TRYOUTS
This is an event that allows the coaching staff of each team to evaluate the participant’s abilities. Try
outs shall be conducted according to individual league policies and procedures.
I
DRAFT
1. The draft is held annually to place new participants on teams.
2. Draft procedures shall be followed according to individual league policies and procedures.
J
GAME RULES
The league follows the same rules established by the national federation of state high school
associations except for the following:
J.1
General
1. Players’ bench should be reserved for players in uniform. Coaches and players should remain in
their team’s coach’s box. No un-named coaches are allowed in the bench area. Coaches without
picture identifications will be asked to leave the field.
2. No more than six (6) coaches are allowed on the sidelines during games. These coaches shall be
among those listed on the official roster. No team moms shall be allowed on the sidelines. Head
coaches attending games shall not be counted as a sideline coach.
3. Any changes in the coach’s names on the roster must be submitted in writing to the league at
least 48 hours prior to that coach participating in any game or practice.
4. No smoking or use of any tobacco products in practice or games. All facilities are tobacco free.
5. Cussing at all levels will not be tolerated in practice or games.
6. Home team shall be responsible for the press box (announcers and the clock).
7. The visiting head/lead coach shall be responsible for the chain crew and shall have them in place
prior to the start of their game. In the event that this responsibility has been neglected, a 5-yard
penalty shall be enforced for delay of game. Coaches are prohibited from functioning as a
member of the chain crew.
8. PW/F: There will be no blitzing from the line of scrimmage. There shall be no more than six (6)
defensive players on the defensive line of scrimmage and all on the line must have at least one
hand in contact with the ground (PW only). ALL remaining players must be three (3) yards
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behind the line of scrimmage. NO defensive players can be in this 3-yard buffer zone prior to
the snap. Infractions to this rule will result in a 5-yard penalty. The exception to this rule is a goal
line defense inside your own 5-yard line. When inside the 5-yard line there is no line up rule.
9. If any of the playoff eligible teams end the season with identical records, the TCYFL rules shall
apply to designate final season standings and who enters the playoffs.
10. The TCYFL uses the following balls:
Division
Ball
PeeWee
Wilson K2
Freshmen
Wilson K2
JV
Wilson TDJ
Varsity
Wilson TDY
Only Wilson footballs are to be used in the above sizes.
Both leather and composite are acceptable. Teams are
allowed to switch balls during play.
J.2
League schedule
All teams will play a nine (9) game schedule unless dictated by an odd number of teams. Top eight (8)
teams will play in the playoffs regardless of league.
J.3
Penalties
1. All penalties shall apply as indicated in the NFHS handbook. These will be 5, 10, and 15-yard
penalties based on the offense.
2. No warnings shall be given for use of a mouth piece. Referees shall make an attempt to remind
players throughout the game. Infractions will result in a 5-yard penalty.
3. A coach or player that is ejected from a game shall not participate in any team activity until such
time the next scheduled competition has been completed.
4. Referees shall have the authority to enforce an unsportsmanlike conduct call on any coach
should they witness the use of explicit or derogatory language during the game. If a coach
receives two (2) unsportsmanlike penalty’s in that game, he/she shall be ejected from the game
and suspended for one week to include the next contest.
J.4
Kickoffs / punts
1. JV/V: Shall be live in accordance with the NFHS rules.
2. PW/F: Shall place the ball on the 40-yard line of the offensive side of the field after each score
and start of each half. After a scored safety, the ball will be placed on the opponent’s 40-yard
line.
3. PW/F: Shall be allowed to call punt at any time. Both offense and defense will take a knee
except for the punter on offense and the three (3) punt returners on the receiving team.
Referee will hand the ball to the punter five 5-yards behind the line of scrimmage where the ball
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shall be immediately be kicked. The ball will be spotted on either the yard line the ball is caught
or where the ball eventually comes to a complete stop.
4. JV/V: Shall be live in accordance with the NFHS rules.
5. PW/F: PeeWee may have two (2) coaches and Freshman may have one (1) coach on the field at
all times. This designated coach(s) must be made known to the referees prior to the start of the
game. It is permitted to have one coach for offense and a different coach for defense. These two
coaches must complete the whole game. The purpose of this rule is to speed up play and
enhance the quality of the game. Time between plays shall not deviate at any level.
6. PW/F: On field coaches shall not move, point, or verbally dictate movement of the game at any
time. At the snap on field coaches shall remain still until the end of the play and be positioned
10 yards behind the deepest player on both sides of the ball. Coaches not abiding by these rules
shall be penalized the same way as a sideline infraction; 1st offense – flag thrown and warning
given; 2nd offense – flag thrown and 5-yard penalty; 3rd offense and beyond – flag thrown and a
15-yard penalty.
J.5
Field goals / PAT
1. PW/F: In the case of point after touchdown attempt, there shall be no rush however the
defense may stand, jump, yell, and wave arms. There shall be no snapping. Referee will hand
the ball to the holder and placed on the tee.
2. JV/V: Shall be live in accordance with the NFHS rules.
3. PW/F: In the case of a field goal there shall be no rush however the defense may stand, jump,
yell, and wave arms. There shall be no snapping. Referee will hand the ball to the holder and
placed on the tee. A field goal missed inside the 20-yard line shall be placed at the 20-yard line.
A field goal missed outside the 20-yard line shall be placed at the original line of scrimmage.
Missed field goals cannot be returned.
4. JV/V: Shall be live in accordance with the NFHS rules.
J.6
J.7
Length of quarters
Team
Length of Quarter
Length of Halftime
Time Outs
ALL Divisions
8 Minutes
10 Minutes
3 Per Half
Overtime
1. Overtime shall be played at all levels. In the Varsity, JV, and Freshman divisions teams will have
up to three (3) series to decide the contest. The PeeWee level shall participate in one (1) series
to decide the contest.
2. The overtime period shall be played according to the following:
a. Coin toss
b. Start at opponents 10-yard line
c. Four (4) downs to score
d. If tied repeat 2 & 3 for a maximum of three (3) times (except PeeWee level)
e. If tied after three (3) periods (or 1 at the PeeWee level) the game is called a tie
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f. Playoff and championship games shall not be limited in number of overtime periods
g. During the overtime period time outs will be handled according to the NFHS guidelines.
J.8
Score
1. The point after a touchdown shall be scored as one (1) point if successfully ran or passed in.
2. The point after a touchdown shall be scored as two (2) points if it is kicked. This rule shall apply
to all divisions.
J.9
Huddle
All teams shall huddle utilizing two (2) rows of five (5) players and the quarterback as illustrated below:
XXXXX
XXXXX
Q
J.10
Offense
All players with an "X" may only line up on the line of scrimmage.
J.11
Defense
1. A defensive player may play any position regardless of weight.
2. At the PeeWee and Freshman level, no defensive player shall line up directly over the center,
however they may line up in the “a” gaps but must be ‘squared’ to the line. A maximum of six
(6) players on the line of scrimmage, and all others must be 3 yards off the ball. Inside your own
5-yard line it is permissible to go to a goal line defense.
J.12
Other
1. There shall be 25 seconds between plays at all levels once the ball has been placed. Referees
shall enforce a 5-yard delay of game penalty at any time a team fails to snap the ball within that
period.
2. There shall be a designated field manager at the facility any time a competition is occurring.
He/she shall be ultimately responsible for all activity at the playing facility to include: rule
discrepancy/interpretation, coach and referee conflicts, concessions, field clean up, spectators,
etc. He/she shall have final say at that time. An appeal of their decision may be filed in writing to
the BOD within 48 hours of the occurrence.
3. In the event that two teams have conflicting uniforms, the home team shall wear the overjersey smock provided by each league.
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K OFFICIATING
1. Officials from all leagues shall be sanctioned by EPFOA.
2. Officials shall be compensated at the same rate by all leagues and shall be paid by the home
league.
L BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. The board of directors of the TCYFL shall serve as the governing body of the league and consist
of three (3) representatives from each league respectively.
2. Each member of the BOD may cast one (1) vote on all voting issues.
3. The BOD shall also serve as the “rules, standards, and appeals committee”.
4. Meetings shall be held monthly in the off season and on variable dates and as needed
throughout the season.
5. The board of directors shall be responsible for implementation and enforcement of the policies
and procedures contained within this manual.
6. Decisions that affect the league or its operation to include coaching issues, background checks,
finance, player issues, rule changes, etc. Shall be addressed by the BOD as a whole. Majority
vote shall rule.
7. Complaints on a particular league shall be directed to the commissioner or president of that
league to be handled according to individual league policies and procedures. Should that league
representative see fit, the complaint may be brought to the Tri-County BOD for review.
8. The BOD will address all complaints and concerns received in writing. Verbal complaints shall
not be recognized and will be dismissed. Complaints received that are deemed to be time
constrained will be addressed immediately through an emergency meeting.
9. Decisions of the Tri-County BOD shall be final.
M DISCIPLINE
1. Violation of these policies and procedures or the code of conduct subjects the violator to
discipline by the BOD. The BOD shall have total discretion to determine penalties based upon
the nature of the violation except where otherwise dictated within these policies and
procedures. Potential penalties include written warnings up to and including permanent
suspension from all league activities. Violation of the parent’s code of conduct and the coach’s
zero tolerance policy will be dealt with harshly and will, absent mitigating circumstances, result
in suspension.
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2. The Tri-County board reserves the right to dismiss, suspend, or discipline any coach or referee
for any conduct which is deemed contrary to the interest of the league, its staff, its contracted
employees, or its players. This shall also include infringement to the code of ethics.
3. The Tri-County board reserves the right to dismiss, suspend, or discipline any coach, referee, or
parent for any violation as spelled out in the policies and procedures manual. Should a coach,
referee, or parent be disciplined for any reason, the BOD will review the situation and notify the
coach / referee / parent in question via written response as to his/her standing in the league.
4. Any coach receiving an unsportsmanlike penalty in a game shall receive a written warning from
the BOD. Should the same coach receive a second unsportsmanlike penalty he will be
suspended from all participation for one (1) week to include the next competition. Upon
receiving a third unsportsmanlike penalty, the coach shall be dismissed for the remainder of the
season and must submit a new application to coach the following season. Referees shall have
the authority to call an unsportsmanlike conduct call on any coach should they witness the use
of explicit or derogatory language during the game. If a coach receives two (2) unsportsmanlike
penalty’s, he/she shall be ejected from the game and suspended for one week to include the
next contest. If an official cannot determine the coach responsible for the explicit language the
unsportsmanlike penalty will be given to the lead coach.
5. A coach who is ejected from a game shall not participate in practice the following week or the
next competition. The same applies to any player who is ejected from a game.
6. The head coach is ultimately responsible for the adherence to the rules and for the proper
conduct of all the coaches, parents and players at all levels on his team.
7. The head coach has the authority to remove any assistant or lead coach from his staff if their
conduct or manner is detrimental to the players or policies and procedures of the TCYFL.
8. Coaches found drinking alcohol, using illegal or illicit drugs without a physician’s order, or
engaging in any immoral practice during the league season shall be suspended or terminated
following review of the BOD.
9. Discipline to players shall be the responsibility of the head / lead coach of each team, unless the
offense directly impacts the league as a whole. Coaches may request the BOD intervene with
any situation they feel uncomfortable dealing with.
10. The head/lead coach may request parents or spectators to leave any practice for any conduct
which is deemed contrary to the interest of the league, its staff, its contracted employees, or its
players. This shall also include infringement to the code of ethics.
11. The field manager may dismiss, suspend, or discipline any coach or parent for any violation as
spelled out in the policies and procedures manual. Should a coach or parent be disciplined for
any reason, the individual league BOD in conjunction with the Tri-County BOD will review the
situation and notify the coach/parent in question via written response as to his/her standing in
the league.
12. In the event that a disciplinary action occurs and the recipient retaliates, the league
representative shall immediately remove themselves from the situation and request law
enforcement.
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13. The football code: Football is an aggressive, rugged contact sport. Only the highest standards of
sportsmanship and conduct are expected of players, coaches, and others associated with the
game. There is no place for unfair tactics, unsportsmanlike conduct or maneuvers deliberately
designed to inflict injury. The American Football Coaches Association code of ethics states:
a. The football code shall be an integral part of this code of ethics and should be carefully
read and observed.
b. To gain an advantage by circumvention or disregard for the rules brands a coach or
player as unfit to be associated with the game of football.
14. Through the years, the rules committee has endeavored by rule and appropriate penalty to
prohibit all forms of unnecessary roughness, unfair tactics and unsportsmanlike conduct. But
rules alone cannot accomplish this end. Only the continued efforts of coaches, players, officials
and friends of the game can preserve the high ethical standards that the public has a right to
expect in America’s foremost sport. Therefore, as a guide to players, coaches, officials, and
others responsible for the welfare of the game, the committee publishes the following code:
15. Coaching ethics: Deliberately teaching players to violate the rules is indefensible. The coaching
of intentional holding, beating the ball, illegal shifting, feigning an injury, interference, illegal
forward passing or intentional roughing will break down rather than aid in the building of the
character of players. Such instruction is not only unfair to one’s opponent but is demoralizing to
the players entrusted to a coach’s care and has no place in a game that is an integral part of an
educational program.
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